Cleaning a dryer vent is an essential task that should not be neglected. Not only does it protect your home from potential fires, but it also helps your dryer run more efficiently. This guide will walk you through the process of dryer vent cleaning, from the tools you'll need to the tips to keep in mind. The initial step in dryer vent cleaning is to remove all the lint from the dryer outside the house by vacuuming it backwards.
To guarantee a thorough clean, you can use a dryer grille cleaning kit that can be found on Amazon. Standard kits come with flexible rods that allow you to crawl up to 12 feet into the duct. To prevent them from breaking, make sure to cover each connection with electrical tape. The kit also comes with a rotating brush that must be entered first and an electric drill on the rod near you. It's recommended to pull out the vent brush about once every 12 months to make sure the dryer vent is in great condition.
However, if you have pets that shed or a large family that requires your electric or gas dryer to be in constant use, you may need to use the kit more often. Before you start cleaning the dryer vent, make sure to remove the outer cover of the dryer. To reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent, make sure to remove the lint from the dryer every time you use it while doing a lot of laundry, especially if you use dryer towels. They will then slide along the tube-shaped vacuum and snake-shaped brush the ventilation grille to dislodge and remove any debris. After cleaning is complete, plug the dryer back in and reconnect the duct to the dryer vent. This will help ensure that all residual dust leaves the system and that the dryer vent is clean.
Knowing how to clean a dryer vent can protect your home, save some money, and make your clothes look better. That's why, while cleaning dryer vents is a task that's often overlooked, it's important. A dryer with restricted air flow also works much longer, increasing utility costs, increasing the need for repairs, and reducing its lifespan. While you can do a good job cleaning the dryer vents on your own from time to time, when it comes to a major cleaning, you should always hire a professional. Cleaning the dryer vent not only protects your home, but also makes the dryer work properly and efficiently. The dryer ventilation system should be cleaned at least once every two years, depending on how often it is used and what type of loads it is drying out.
If you notice that clothes take longer to dry, that the dryer has become hot to the touch, or that there is a burning smell in the laundry room, then it may be time for a deep clean. Now that you know how to thoroughly clean a dryer vent, check out these frequently asked questions for more information on how to keep your dryer running at its best:.
